Ignition Positions
The ignition switch has four different positions:
In order to shift out of P (Park), ignition must be in theON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY and the brake pedalmust be applied.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key to turn in theignition could cause damage to the switch orbreak the key. Use the correct key, make sure it isall the way in, and turn it only with your hand. If thekey cannot be turned by hand, see yourdealer/retailer.
A (LOCK/OFF):This is the only position in which theignition key can be inserted or removed. This positionlocks the ignition and transmission and steering column.
The steering can bind with the wheels turned offcenter. If this happens, move the steering wheel fromright to left while turning the key to ACC/ACCESSORY.If this doesn’t work, the vehicle needs service.
B (ACC/ACCESSORY):This position lets the radio andwindshield wipers operate while the engine is off. Touse ACC/ACCESSORY, turn the key clockwise.
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C (ON/RUN):This position is where the key returns toafter the vehicle is started. This position displayssome of the warning and indicator lights.
The battery could be drained if you leave the key in theACC/ACCESSORY or ON/RUN position with the engineoff. You may not be able to start the vehicle if the batteryis allowed to drain for an extended period of time.
D (START):This position starts the engine.
A warning chime will sound and the Driver InformationCenter (DIC) will display DRIVER DOOR OPENwhen the driver door is opened if the ignition is inLOCK/OFF, ACC/ACCESSORY and the key is in theignition. SeeDIC Warnings and Messages on page 4-67for more information.
Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories can be used for up to10 minutes after the ignition key is turned off:
•Audio System
•Audio Steering Wheel Controls
•Power Windows
•Sunroof (if equipped)
Power to these accessories will work up to 10 minutesor until the driver’s door is opened. For an additional10 minutes of power, close all the doors and turn the keyto ON/RUN and then back to LOCK/OFF.
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral). Theengine will not start in any other position. To restart theengine when the vehicle is already moving, useN (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the vehicleis moving. If you do, you could damage thetransmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the vehicleis stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn theignition to START. When the engine starts, let goof the key. The idle speed will slow down asthe engine warms. Do not race the engineimmediately after starting it. Operate the engine andtransmission gently to allow the oil to warm upand lubricate all moving parts.
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The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled CrankingSystem. This feature assists in starting theengine and protects components. If the ignition keyis turned to the START position, and thenreleased when the engine begins cranking, theengine will continue cranking for a few seconds oruntil the vehicle starts. If the engine does notstart and the key is held in START, cranking will bestopped after 15 seconds to prevent crankingmotor damage. To prevent gear damage, thissystem also prevents cranking if the engineis already running. Engine cranking can be stoppedby turning the ignition switch to theACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods oftime, by returning the key to the START positionimmediately after cranking has ended, can overheatand damage the cranking motor, and drain thebattery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,to let the cranking motor cool down.
2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or!18°C), it could be flooded with too much gasoline.Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way tothe floor and holding it there as you hold the key inSTART for up to a maximum of 15 seconds.Wait at least 15 seconds between each try, to allowthe cranking motor to cool down. When theengine starts, let go of the key and accelerator. Ifthe vehicle starts briefly but then stops again, repeatthese steps. This clears the extra gasoline fromthe engine. Do not race the engine immediatelyafter starting it. Operate the engine andtransmission gently until the oil warms up andlubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with theelectronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical partsor accessories, you could change the way the engineoperates. Before adding electrical equipment, checkwith your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the enginemight not perform properly. Any resulting damagewould not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
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Automatic Transmission Operation
The automatic transmission may have a shift leverlocated either on the steering column or on the consolebetween the seats.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
P (Park):This position locks the front wheels. It isthe best position to use when you start the enginebecause the vehicle cannot move easily.
{WARNING:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park on page 3-31. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 5-26.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) beforestarting the engine. The vehicle has an automatictransmission shift lock control system. You have to fullyapply the regular brakes before you can shift fromP (Park) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. Ifyou cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on theshift lever. Push the shift lever all the way into P (Park)as you maintain brake application. Then move theshift lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of Park onpage 3-32.
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Shifting Into Park
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. If you have
left the engine running, the vehicle can move
suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be
sure the vehicle will not move, even when you are
on fairly level ground, use the steps that follow. If
you are pulling a trailer, seeTowing a Trailer on
page 5-26.
Steering Column Shift Lever
If the vehicle has a steering column shift lever, use thisprocedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pulling theshift lever toward you and moving it up as far asit will go.
3. With your foot still holding the brake pedal down,set the parking brake. SeeParking Brake onpage 3-30for more information.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you canleave the vehicle with the ignition key in yourhand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
Console Shift Lever
If the vehicle is equipped with a console shift lever, usethis procedure to shift the vehicle into P (Park):
1. Hold the brake pedal down.
2. Move the shift lever into P (Park) by pushing thelever all the way toward the front of the vehicleand then to the left.
3. While keeping the brake pedal applied, set theparking brake. SeeParking Brake on page 3-30for more information.
4. Turn the ignition key to LOCK/OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you canleave the vehicle with the ignition key in yourhand, the vehicle is in P (Park).
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Leaving the Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{WARNING:
It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the
engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly if
the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking
brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with
the engine running, it could overheat and even
catch fire. You or others could be injured. Do not
leave the vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave the vehicle with the engine running,be sure your vehicle is in P (Park) and the parkingbrake is firmly set before you leave it. SeeParking Brakeon page 3-30for more information.
Torque Lock
Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts toomuch force on the parking pawl in the transmission.This happens when parking on a hill and shiftingthe transmission into P (Park) is not done properly andthen it is difficult to shift out of P (Park).
To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and thenshift into P (Park). To find out how, see “ShiftingInto Park” in this section.
If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to bepushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parkingpawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park).
Shifting Out of Park
Automatic Transmission Shift Lock
This vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system.The shift lock release is designed to:
•Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is
in P (Park)
•Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park),
unless the ignition is in ON/RUN orACC/ACCESSORY and the regular brake pedal isapplied.
The shift lock is always functional except in the case of aan uncharged or low voltage (less than 9 volt) battery.
If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery withlow voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery.SeeJump Starting on page 6-36.
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Engine Exhaust
{WARNING:
Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled. Exposure to
CO can cause unconsciousness and even death.
Exhaust may enter the vehicle if:
•The vehicle idles in areas with poor ventilation
(parking garages, tunnels, deep snow thatmay block underbody airflow or tail pipes).
•The exhaust smells or sounds strange or
different.
•The exhaust system leaks due to corrosion
or damage.
•The vehicle’s exhaust system has been
modified, damaged or improperly repaired.
•There are holes or openings in the vehicle
body from damage or after-marketmodifications that are not completely sealed.
WARNING: (Continued)
WARNING: (Continued)
If unusual fumes are detected or if it is suspected
that exhaust is coming into the vehicle:
•Drive it only with the windows
completely down.
•Have the vehicle repaired immediately.
Never park the vehicle with the engine running inan enclosed area such as a garage or a buildingthat has no fresh air ventilation.
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Park Tilt Mirrors
If your vehicle is equipped with memory mirrors, it iscapable of performing the park tilt mirror feature. Thisfeature allows the driver and passenger side mirror to tiltto a factory programmed position when the vehicle is inR (Reverse). This feature may be useful in allowing youto view the curb when you are parallel parking.
When the vehicle is shifted out of R (Reverse) andeither a five-second delay has occurred, or the ignitionis turned to LOCK/OFF, the driver and passengerside mirror will return to its original position.
This feature can be enabled/disabled through the DriverInformation Center (DIC). SeeDIC VehicleCustomization on page 4-80for more information.
Outside Convex Mirror
{WARNING:
A convex mirror can make things, like other
vehicles, look farther away than they really are. If
you cut too sharply into the right lane, you could hit
a vehicle on the right. Check the inside mirror or
glance over your shoulder before changing lanes.
The passenger side mirror is convex shaped. A convexmirror’s surface is curved so more can be seen fromthe driver seat.
Outside Heated Mirrors
=(Rear Window Defogger):Press to heat the
mirrors. See “Rear Window Defogger” underDualClimate Control System on page 4-36for moreinformation.
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